AFC Beach Soccer Championship 2017 Competition Regulations

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2 AFC Beach Soccer Championship 2017 Competition Regulations CONTENTS DEFINITIONS 5 SECTION 1: AFC BEACH SOCCER CHAMPIONSHIP Introduction 16 SECTION 2: RESPONSIBILITIES 2. The Asian Football Confederation Participating Teams Organising Association 20 SECTION 3: ENTRY, WITHDRAWAL, MATCH SCHEDULE, COMPETITION SYSTEM 5. Entry Withdrawal Prior to Commencement of the Competition Withdrawal After Commencement of the Competition 22 8 Match Schedule Competition System Group Stage Knockout Stage 27 SECTION 4: TECHNICAL RULES 12. Matches Played in Accordance with the Beach Soccer Laws of the Game Duration of Matches Extra Time Determining the Winner by Kicks from the Penalty Mark Cancellation of Matches Abandonment of Matches Team Bench and Technical Area Warming Up Official Training at Pitch Beach Soccer balls 32 SECTION 5: TEAM OFFICIAL DELEGATION 22. Eligibility of Players Registration of Players Documents for Registration of Players Player Status Preliminary Registration Final Registration Player Selection List Match Starting List Registration of Officials Documents for Registration of Officials Size of Delegation at Matches 39 AFC Beach Soccer Championship 2017 Competition Regulations 2

3 SECTION 6: LOGISTICAL ARRANGEMENTS 33. Arrival and Departure Airfares Accommodation, Meals, and Refreshments Team Liaison Officer Local Land Transportation 41 SECTION 7: MEDIA 38. Media Access in Stadia Official Training Press Conferences Mixed Zone Interviews Flash Interviews Recording of Matches 44 SECTION 8: EQUIPMENT 45. AFC Equipment Regulations AFC Badges Kit Approval Procedure Responsibility 45 SECTION 9: TICKETING 49. Terms and Conditions Complimentary Tickets Purchase of Tickets 46 SECTION 10: MEDICAL & ANTI-DOPING 52. Medical Facilities and Treatment Anti-Doping 47 SECTION 11: DISCIPLINARY 54. Disciplinary Measures Cautions and Expulsions Indiscipline or Violent Conduct Protest Arbitration 50 SECTION 12: ADMINISTRATION 59. Awards Trophy and Medals Prize Presentation Ceremony Protocol Special Instructions Decision Amendments Force Majeure Matters Not Provided For Closing Provisions Ratification 53 AFC Beach Soccer Championship 2017 Competition Regulations 3

4 APPENDIX 1: Determining the Ranking in a Group using Fair Play Criteria 54 APPENDIX 2: Registration of Players who have Acquired a New Nationality 55 APPENDIX 3: Registration of Players who have a Nationality Entitling them to Represent 56 more than One Association APPENDIX 4: Marketing and Media Operation Guidelines 57 AFC Beach Soccer Championship 2017 Competition Regulations 4

5 DEFINITIONS In these Competition Regulations, capitalised terms shall have the following meanings, unless the context specifically indicates otherwise: Accommodation Any location approved by the AFC which provides accommodation to the AFC Delegation, Team Official Delegations, AFC Commercial Rights Partner, and Official Licensees. Accreditation Card Any physical item which is issued by the AFC and/or Organising Association which provides the recipient the right to access a Controlled Access Area (or part thereof) where the Controlled Access Area is under the control of the AFC or Organising Association. Advertising Rights AFC The right to promote brand and/or corporate names and/or products and/or services at and/or in relation to the Competition by whatever means available, whether existing now or to be developed in the future, whether at the Stadia or Facility Areas or within the Controlled Access Areas, in association with the Competition Marks and/or AFC Marks, by in-stadium/out-stadium perimeter signage and other advertising, digital signage and screens, closed circuit television, equipment usage or other methods and through printed matter (including digitally delivered printed matter) such as programmes, posters, letterheads, press releases, newsletters and Tickets, and subject to any AFC regulations, the right to display such advertising on the clothing or footwear worn, or on any equipment used, carried or transported by the AFC Delegation (including for the avoidance of doubt Match Officials), medical and security staff, ball boys, player escorts, flag bearers and/or photographers. The display of the name and/or logo of the bona fide supplier of clothing on the strip of the uniforms of the AFC Delegation (including for the avoidance of doubt Match Officials) are also included. For the avoidance of doubt, advertising on the strip of Participating Players is excluded, other than where it is the trade mark of the bona fide manufacturer and is in accordance with FIFA and/or AFC regulations. Similarly, branding on any equipment, goods and/or services used in connection with the Competition, save where supplied by a Licensee, may only include customary branding of the bona fide manufacturer and may not be associated in any way with the Commercial Rights. The Asian Football Confederation. AFCAS The AFC Administration System, the AFC s online competition management and registration system. AFC Beach Soccer Championship 2017 Competition Regulations 5

6 AFC Commercial Rights Partner AFC Committee AFC Delegation The entity appointed by the AFC as the sole and exclusive representative of the AFC with regard to the sale of the Commercial Rights (or any part thereof) and the provision of services in relation thereto. Any Committee of the AFC as constituted in accordance with the AFC Statutes. (i) AFC staff; (ii) Match Officials; (iii) other officials appointed by the AFC; (iv) AFC Committee members; and (iv) AFC guests. AFC Futsal and Beach Soccer Committee The AFC s internal organising committee for the Competition which has been appointed in accordance with the AFC Statutes, and which has ultimate authority over all matters relating to the organisation of the Competition. AFC Beach Soccer Championship 2017 AFC Marks The Competition. All design marks, slogans, designations, names, logos, insignia, emblems or devices (in any application) owned and/or controlled by the AFC (in any language) relating to the AFC itself, but excluding the Competition Marks. AFC Website AFC Website The domain owned by the AFC, including without limitation all other domains or official media platforms and channels created and/or owned by the AFC (e.g. Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, etc). Broadcaster Licensee Any entity, including the Host Broadcaster, which has been granted the Media Rights from the AFC or the AFC Commercial Rights Partner for the Competition. Beach Soccer Worldwide (BSWW) Champion Commercial Rights The AFC Commercial Right Partner The Participating Team that wins the final Match of the Competition. Advertising Rights, Concession Rights, Hospitality Rights, Image Rights, Media Rights, Merchandising Rights, Promotional Rights, Sponsorship Rights, and Travel and Tour Rights. AFC Beach Soccer Championship 2017 Competition Regulations 6

7 Competition The AFC Beach Soccer Championship 2017, which includes without limitation, all Matches as set out in the Match Schedule, all qualifying Matches, all activities on the Pitch (other than Matches), opening ceremonies, presentation or closing ceremonies, press conferences or Official Functions connected therewith. Competition Data Any and all information related to the Competition, including fixture lists, Image Rights, information and/or statistics about the Participating Teams and/or Participating Players, information and/or statistics about their participation and/or performance in the Competition, Match analysis, Referee decisions, and any other information in relation to the Competition. Competition Marks Competition Title All design marks, slogans, designations, names, logos, insignia, emblems, mascot or devices (in any application) owned and/or controlled by the AFC (in any language) relating to the Competition. AFC Beach Soccer Championship 2017 or any variation thereof as advised and adopted by the AFC. Complimentary Tickets Tickets which are supplied without charge. Concession Rights Sampling, vending and other distribution methods and payment methods connected therewith for and of products or services, including without limitation all food, beverage and pourage rights at the Stadia and Controlled Access Areas. Controlled Access Areas (i) any Pitch (in any Beach Soccer Stadium); (ii) any Official Training Site; (iii) any official hotel (public areas being excepted), subject to and to the extent agreed in an executed hotel agreement; (iv) any official exclusion zone encircling a Pitch on any Match day; (v) any official parking area, accreditation centre, International Broadcast Compound, and/or hospitality area; AFC Beach Soccer Championship 2017 Competition Regulations 7

8 (vi) the venue of any Official Function; (vii) any official AFC fan park; (viii) Facility Areas; and/or (ix) any other location and/or facility designated by the AFC as a Controlled Access Area and to which access is permitted only to those in possession of an Accreditation Card, Ticket, and/or other officially-sanctioned entry permit. Digital Media Any digitalised media (including the AFC Website and any related Competition website) created by AFC in relation to the Competition, including but not limited to any mobile website, mobile application (app), online video channel, data product, photo-sharing account, social media account, and any further form of digital media developed herewith. Extra Time Two (2) equal periods of additional time which shall be played in accordance with these Regulations should there be no Winner at the conclusion of a Match in the Knockout Stage. Facility Areas The location of Official Functions, ceremonies, press centres, ticket offices, competition hotels, media areas (including without limitation areas used for viewing of any public exhibition), sponsor village areas (including without limitation AFC fan park areas, and areas used for the activation of the Commercial Rights), official hospitality areas (including without limitation areas used for the exploitation of the Hospitality Rights), and information centres controlled by or on behalf of the AFC and used in connection with the Competition whether at the Pitch an/or any parts of the Beach Soccer Stadium or elsewhere at the Venues. FIFA The Federation International de Football Association. Final The Final Stage of the Competition, split into the Group Stage and Knockout Stage. Fixed Media Any magnetic, electronic or digital storage device or method including without limitation DVD, VHS or CD-ROM. Football Association The controlling body for football within a country or territory recognised by the AFC. Force Majeure Any event affecting the performance or any provision of these Regulations arising from or attributable to acts, events, omissions or accidents which are beyond the reasonable control of a party, and shall include but not be limited to AFC Beach Soccer Championship 2017 Competition Regulations 8

9 abnormally inclement weather, flood, lightning, storm, fire, explosion, earthquake, structural damage, epidemic or other natural disaster, failure or shortage of power supplies, war, terrorist action, military operations, riot, crowd disorder, strike, lock-outs or other industrial action, or civil commotion. Group Stage The first stage of the Competition held in accordance with these Regulations. Hospitality Rights The opportunity to offer and sell hospitality and entertainment facilities at the Venues or within the Controlled Access Areas in combination with the Tickets as may be purchased from the Host Association whether such facilities are in boxes, marquees or otherwise, but excluding those private facilities reserved for AFC officials and its guests not forming part of the Commercial Rights. Host Broadcasters The party appointed by the AFC to ensure and provide the production of broadcast signals of the Matches and other events of the Competition, and the provision of all related services in accordance with the Media Rights granted to it. Hospitality Rights The opportunity to offer and sell Hospitality and entertainment facilities at the Venues or within the Controlled Access Areas in combination with Tickets as may be purchased from the Organising Association whether such facilities are in boxes, marquees or otherwise, but excluding those private noncommercial functions and facilities reserved for AFC officials and its guests not forming part of the Commercial Rights. Host Broadcaster The organisation appointed by the AFC to ensure and provide the production of the broadcast signals of the Matches and other events of the Competition, and the provision of all related services in accordance with the Media Rights. Host City Any city and/or identifiable metropolitan area in which any Match is staged. Host Country The country or territory of the Organising Association. Image Rights The right to use still and/or moving images and/or representations of images of Participating Teams and Participating Players participating in the Competition, and including, for the avoidance of doubt, images of Participating Officials, Match Officials, and other officials forming part of the Competition. AFC Beach Soccer Championship 2017 Competition Regulations 9

10 Kicks from the Penalty Mark Kicks from the Penalty Mark as describe the Beach Soccer Laws of the Game. Knockout Stage The semifinal, the 3/4 th Playoff and the final stage of the Competition held in accordance with these Regulations. Match A Beach Soccer match in its entirety (including a replayed and/or deferred Beach Soccer match, Extra Time and Kicks from the Penalty Mark) which takes place as part of the Competition in accordance with the Match Schedule. For the avoidance of doubt, a Match formally commences when the Stadium is officially opened to spectators and formally concludes when the Stadium is officially closed to spectator Match Officials Any individual appointed to officiate a Match in the Competition in the role of referee, assistant referee, fourth official or fifth official, and the appointed Referee Assessor(s). Match Schedule The official schedule which sets out, without limitation, the dates and times on which Matches will be played, the Pitch at which the Matches will be played, the names of the Participating Teams. Media Media Rights Any individual entitled to a media Accreditation Card as determined by the AFC. The right and license to produce, edit, and transmit, for intelligible reception throughout the world in any language and in any format, and on any platform including film, Fixed Media, Digital Media, games, internet, public exhibition, radio, mobile, and television, visual, audio-visual, and/or audio signal and/or image or recording (including without limitation the basic feed, multi feeds, additional feeds, audio feeds, a feed incorporating competition data, basic feed, and unilateral feeds) of the Competition, and all interview activities and action during and forming part of the Competition including Official Functions and the Image Rights by any and all means of transmission distribution, exhibition and reception, now existing or hereinafter developed including but not limited to analogue, digital, satellite cable and interactive communication systems, on a live, delayed, and unlimited repeat basis, in full or in part (including without limitation by way of clips and/or highlights and/or support programmes and/or magazine shows and/or news access), and all rights to exploit any and all commercial opportunities (including for example broadcast sponsorship and commercial airtime opportunities) arising from and/or in connection with such rights. Member Association A Football Association which is a member of the AFC. AFC Beach Soccer Championship 2017 Competition Regulations 10

11 Merchandise Rights Official Function The right granted to Official Licensees for the use and exploitation of the Competition Marks and/or official designation in the manufacture, packaging, distribution, and sale of goods and services of all kinds, including items of equipment (i.e. footballs), clothing, coins, medals, games (electronic or otherwise), other collectibles and Premiums related to the Competition. Any event which is officially organised or sanctioned by the AFC in connection with the Competition. For the avoidance of doubt, this expressly includes, without limitation, all matches and/or events held at Official Training Sites, the Opening Ceremony, the Closing Ceremony, any AFC gala dinner, lunch, or banquet, cultural events, official press conferences, official draw, workshops and launch events. Official Licensee Any entity to which the AFC and the AFC Commercial Rights Partner has granted the right to exercise and exploit the Commercial Rights (or any part thereof) in respect of the Competition. Official Training Site Any site designated by the Organising Association and approved by the AFC for use by the Participating Teams throughout the duration of the Competition for training purposes. Organising Association A Member Association approved by the AFC to organise, stage, and host Matches in the Competition. Participating Official Any official who is registered to participate in the Competition. Participating Player Any player who is registered to participate in the Competition. Participating Team Any team approved by the AFC to participate in the Competition. Pitch The area described in Law 1 of the Beach Soccer Laws of the Game issued by IFAB and administered by FIFA. Premiums Any promotional item (including packaging, labeling, and/or containers thereof) which incorporates a mark and/or logo of the AFC and/or the Competition, and which is distributed free of charge or via prize competitions. AFC Beach Soccer Championship 2017 Competition Regulations 11

12 Promotional Rights Any rights to official publications, official suppliers, official products, sales promotion including but not limited to the right to organise promotional competitions (including without limitation any sweepstakes or lotteries) and to make awards and give prizes, Official Music rights, the right to use an Official Designation and all other rights of commercial value in regard to the Competition. Proprietary Interests Without limitation, intellectual property, copyright and analogous rights, trademark rights, moral rights, performing rights, personality rights, and all remedies available under the applicable laws of unfair competition comprised in the Commercial Rights. Regulations These Competition Regulations. Runner Up The Participating Team that loses the final Match of the Competition. Semi Final The first round of Matches in the Knockout Stage. Sponsorship Rights The right, in any and all media, throughout the world, and in all languages, to promote an association between the Competition and certain products, services, and/or brands, and shall include (by way of illustration only) the exclusive right to exercise rights of association with the Competition, including without limitation the right to (a) use an official designation; (b) use the AFC Marks and/or applicable Competition Marks on branded products and/or product packaging (including Premiums, and in relation to the Competition Marks only on items for retail sale) and/or advertising; (c) receive commercial programme Tickets, and (d) the right to receive broadcast sponsorship opportunities in connections with broadcasts of a Match or Official Function. Stadium Any Beach Soccer stadium at which a Match is played. For the avoidance of doubt, this includes: (i) the entire premises (to the extent that a valid Accreditation Card or Ticket is required in order to gain access) of a stadium facility inside the outer stadium perimeter fence and (on Match days and any day on which any official training takes place within the stadium), the aerial space above such stadium premises; (ii) parking facilities; AFC Beach Soccer Championship 2017 Competition Regulations 12

13 (iii) VIP and hospitality areas; (iv) the Media tribune; (v) concessions areas; (vi) commercial display areas; (vii) buildings; (viii) the Field of Play; (ix) any broadcast compound or stadium media centre; (x) any stands; and, (xi) any areas beneath the stands. Team Official Delegation The final-registered delegation of a Participating Team for the Competition subject to the limits set out in these Regulations. Third Place The Participating Team who is the Winner of the 3/4 Playoff in the Competition. Ticket A pass providing access to a venue for the purpose of attending either a Match or Official Training Site or Official Function. Ticketing All operational measures to provide Tickets to all spectators of every Match and for Official Functions of the Competition allowing them to enter the Stadium or a Venue. Ticketing shall include the management of the operation necessary for the production, sale, distribution, delivery and payment of the Tickets of the Competition. Travel and Tour Rights The right to organise and/or sub-license official travel and tour activities in relation to the Competition, which travel and tour activities shall, for the avoidance of doubt, include the provision of Tickets to a Match and/or Official Function for the Competition. Venue The Host City and immediately surrounding area in which a Stadium is located. Winner The Participating Team who scores the highest number of goals in a Match, or where applicable, the higher number of Kicks from the Penalty Mark. AFC Beach Soccer Championship 2017 Competition Regulations 13

14 For the purposes of these Regulations, and provided the context so permits: (a) (b) (c) (d) (e) (f) the singular shall include the plural and vice-versa; the masculine gender shall include the feminine and vice-versa; reference to natural persons shall include any legal person or corporation; references to the AFC shall include its successors and permitted assigns and in relation to the availability of the Commercial Rights, its respective Member Associations, and the AFC Committees. reference to the AFC Commercial Rights Partner or Official Licensees shall include where advised by the AFC, its successors, and permitted assigns and, in relation to the exercise and exploitation of the Commercial Rights; all defined terms, unless otherwise stated herein shall bear the same meaning as ascribed in the AFC Statutes, unless the context indicates otherwise AFC Beach Soccer Championship 2017 Competition Regulations 14

15 SECTION 1: AFC BEACH SOCCER CHAMPIONSHIP Introduction 1.1. The AFC stages the Competition once every two (2) years for Participating Teams These Regulations set out the rights, duties, and responsibilities of the AFC, the Organising Association(s), and all Participating Teams taking part in the Competition, and form an integral part of the Organising Association Agreement, its annexes and amendments These Regulations and all directives, decisions, guidelines, and circulars issued by the AFC shall be binding upon all parties participating and involved in the preparation, organisation, and hosting of the Competition Any rights and Proprietary Interests associated with the Competition that are not granted by these Regulations and/or specific agreements to any Member Association or Participating Team belong to the AFC Any reference to the AFC Statutes and to AFC and FIFA regulations refer to those valid at the time of application. AFC Beach Soccer Championship 2017 Competition Regulations 15

16 SECTION 2: RESPONSIBILITIES 2. The Asian Football Confederation 2.1. The AFC Futsal and Beach Soccer Committee shall be responsible for organising the Competition in accordance with the AFC Statutes. The AFC General Secretariat shall carry out the necessary administrative work in support of the AFC Futsal and Beach Soccer Committee The responsibilities of the AFC shall include, but are not limited to: supervising general preparations and deciding on the Competition format, the draw, and the entries to the Competition; determining the Match Schedule (cf Article 8); selecting Beach Soccer Stadiums, Pitch(es) and Official Training Sites for the Competition after consultation with the Organising Association; appointing Match Officials for each Match; choosing the official Beach Soccer ball and stipulated technical material; approving the choice of the WADA-accredited laboratory that will carry out the doping analyses (cf Section 10); reporting cases where appropriate to the AFC Disciplinary Committee (cf Section 11); replacing Participating Teams that have withdrawn from the Competition (cf Articles 6 and 7); dealing with cases of abandoned Matches or cancelled Matches (cf Articles 16 and 17); dealing with cases of force majeure (cf Article 64); providing insurance coverage for the AFC Delegation from the time of their departure from their home Member Association to their departure from the Host Country; and dealing with any other aspect of the Competition that is not the responsibility of any other body of the AFC pursuant to these Regulations or the AFC Statutes (cf Article 67) All decisions made by the AFC Futsal and Beach Soccer Committee and/or AFC General Secretariat are final and binding and not appealable All decisions made by the AFC Disciplinary Committee in relation to the Competition are subject to the operation of the AFC Disciplinary Code. AFC Beach Soccer Championship 2017 Competition Regulations 16

17 3. Participating Teams 3.1. The principal obligations and responsibilities of each Participating Team are stipulated in the Participating Team Agreement (PTA), these Regulations, the AFC Statutes, and all other AFC regulations, directives, guidelines, and circulars Each Participating Team that has qualified for the Competition must submit a PTA The PTA shall be completed and submitted to the AFC not later than the deadline provided by the AFC Failure to submit the PTA to the AFC shall result in the non-participation of the Participating Team Each Participating Team shall ensure as a condition of its participation that every member of its Team Official Delegation is aware of and agrees to comply with the PTA Each Participating Team shall undertake to: observe all obligations set out in the PTA, these Regulations, the AFC Statutes, and all other AFC regulations, directives, guidelines and circulars, and applicable national and supra-national laws; comply with the Beach Soccer Laws of the Game approved by the FIFA Futsal Committee; accept that all the administrative, disciplinary and refereeing matters connected with the Competition shall be settled by the AFC in compliance with these Regulations; field their strongest team throughout the Competition; observe the principles of Fair Play; ensure the good conduct of its Team Official Delegation who have been provided with an Accreditation Card and of any person carrying out duties on behalf of its Participating Team throughout the Competition, from their arrival in the Host Country until their departure; failure to ensure the good conduct of its Team Official Delegation may result in the Participating Team being issued with a fine; the AFC Disciplinary Committee may issue further sanctions in its discretion; accept all the arrangements made by the Organising Association in agreement with the AFC; AFC Beach Soccer Championship 2017 Competition Regulations 17

18 attend and participate in all official activities and events, including without limitation any team arrival meeting, match coordination meeting, press conferences, and other media and marketing activities in accordance with the instructions issued by the AFC; failure to attend and/or participate in any official activity or event shall result in the Participating Team being fined at least USD5,000; the AFC Disciplinary Committee may issue further sanctions in its discretion; provide to the AFC, prior to the Competition, statistics and photographs of its Participating Players and Participating Officials, historical information related to its Participating Team and national Hall (including photographs), and any further data as requested and in accordance with instructions issued by the AFC; and link the official URL for the Competition on its official website Each Participating Team at its own expense is solely responsible throughout the Competition for: the insurance coverage (including but not limited to hospitalisation and surgical operations, team equipment) of their Team Official Delegation, from the date of their arrival in the Host Country until their departure from the Host Country; payment of incidental expenses and for any costs incurred by its Team Official Delegation (cf Article 35); payment of all costs for the four (4) additional Participating Officials; payment of any costs of extending the stay of any member of its Team Official Delegation (cf Article 35); and obtaining visas to enter the territory of the Host Country. This includes all costs related to the visa application process Should a Participating Team fail to secure the necessary visas in time for their arrival to the Competition as a result of non-compliance with Article 3.4.5, they shall be considered to have withdrawn in accordance with Article Each Participating Team shall indemnify, defend, and hold the AFC, the Organising Association, and all of their officers, directors, employees, representatives, agents, and all other auxiliary persons free and harmless against any and all liabilities, obligations, losses, damages, penalties, claims, actions, fines, and expenses (including reasonable legal expenses) of whatsoever kind or nature resulting from, AFC Beach Soccer Championship 2017 Competition Regulations 18

19 arising out of, or attributable to, any non-compliance with these Regulations by the Member Associations, Participating Teams, their Team Official Delegation, their affiliates and any third-parties contracted to the Participating Teams or Member Associations The Champion, Runner-up and Third Placing team may qualify directly and shall undertake, if required, to take part in the following competitions: the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup Bahamas any intercontinental competition(s) arranged by the AFC with other confederations; and 3.8. Participating Teams are not authorised to represent the AFC or the Competition without the prior written approval of the AFC All Participating Players and Participating Officials shall ensure their presence at the AFC Awards Night in the calendar year if they are nominated for an annual AFC award Each Participating Team shall ensure that any decision made by the AFC relating to its duties and responsibilities is enforced immediately. 4. Organising Association 4.1. The principal obligations and responsibilities of the Organising Association are regulated in the Organising Association Agreement, its annexes and amendments, these Regulations, all AFC directives, decisions, guidelines, and circulars, as well as the AFC Statutes and various AFC regulations For the duration of the Competition, the Organising Association, in cooperation with the relevant government authorities, is responsible for: payment of all taxes, fees, duties and any other costs related to the importation and/or exportation of equipment, merchandise and/or goods to be used for the Competition; concluding all necessary insurance in connection with the staging and organising of Matches, including third-party liability and spectator accident coverage; guaranteeing law and order as well as safety at each Venue; and complying with all guidelines and instructions issued by the AFC The Organising Association(s) shall discharge the AFC and hold it harmless from all responsibility and relinquish any claim against the AFC and the members of its delegation for any damages resulting from any act or omission relating to the organisation of the Competition to the exclusion of damages caused by AFC or the members of its delegation acting with intent or gross negligence. AFC Beach Soccer Championship 2017 Competition Regulations 19

20 4.4. The Organising Association shall ensure that any decision made by the AFC Futsal and Beach Soccer Committee relating to its duties and responsibilities is enforced immediately. AFC Beach Soccer Championship 2017 Competition Regulations 20

21 SECTION 3: ENTRY, WITHDRAWAL, MATCH SCHEDULE, COMPETITION SYSTEM 5. Entry 5.1. The AFC Futsal and Beach Soccer Committee shall invite eligible Participating Teams to enter the Competition Eligible Participating Teams shall complete a PTA and submit it to the AFC in accordance with Article 3 to confirm their entry into the Competition. 6. Withdrawal Prior to Commencement of the Competition 6.1. Any Participating Team that enters the Competition undertakes that it shall play all of its Matches as set out in the Match Schedule In the case of a Participating Team withdrawing or being excluded from the Competition, the AFC Futsal and Beach Soccer Committee shall be responsible for making any necessary decisions, including without limitation whether to: replace the Participating Team; change the competition system (cf Article 9); and/or change the technical rules (cf Section 4) Any Participating Team that withdraws up to thirty (30) days before its first Match shall be fined at least USD5, Any Participating Team that withdraws less than thirty (30) days before its first Match shall be fined at least USD10, The AFC Disciplinary Committee may impose further sanctions in its discretion. 7. Withdrawal after Commencement of the Competition 7.1. Any Participating Team that: withdraws from the Competition after it has commenced; or does not report for a Match; or refuses to continue a Match; or leaves the Pitch prior to the completion of a Match, shall be considered to have withdrawn from the Competition after its commencement A Participating Team that withdraws from the Competition after it has commenced shall: AFC Beach Soccer Championship 2017 Competition Regulations 21

22 have all its Matches cancelled and considered null and void. For the avoidance of doubt, all points and goals in those Matches shall not be taken into consideration when determining the final rankings in the Group Stage pursuant to Article 10.5; be required to pay compensation for any and all damages or losses suffered by the other Participating Teams, the AFC, the AFC Commercial Rights Partner, Licensees, Broadcasters, and the Organising Association. The amount of compensation shall be determined by the AFC Executive Committee; be disqualified from participating in the next two (2) editions of the Competition; be disqualified from participating in any tournaments listed in Article 3.7, if qualification has been attained; be fined: at least USD25,000 if it withdraws after the commencement of the Group Stage; or at least USD50,000 if it withdraws after the commencement of the Knockout Stage be referred to the AFC Disciplinary Committee which may impose further sanctions in its discretion; and return to the AFC any subsidy that had been paid in support of their participation in the Competition or if not yet paid, forfeit their right to that subsidy Articles 7.1 and 7.2 are not applicable in cases of Force Majeure recognised by the AFC Futsal and Beach Soccer Committee The AFC Futsal and Beach Soccer Committee shall take whatever action it deems necessary in cases of Force Majeure. 8. Match Schedule 8.1. All Matches shall be played according to the dates, kick-off times, and in the Pitch at the Beach Soccer Stadium as determined by the AFC Futsal and Beach Soccer Committee The Match Schedule shall be determined following the Final Draw The AFC Futsal and Beach Soccer Committee retains final discretion to amend the Match Schedule. AFC Beach Soccer Championship 2017 Competition Regulations 22

23 9. Competition System 9.1. The Competition shall consist of two (2) stages: the Group Stage; and the Knockout Stage. 10. Group Stage The Participating Teams shall be divided into a group of five (5) and two (2) Groups of four (4) teams each as follows: Group A Group B Group C A1 B1 C1 A2 B2 C2 A3 A4 A5 B3 B4 C3 C Each Participating Team shall play against the other Participating Teams within its group once in accordance with the Match Schedule The duration of Matches shall be played in accordance with Articles 13 to At the conclusion of each Match: three (3) points shall be awarded to the Winner; Two (2) point shall be awarded for a win in extra time; One (1) point for a win in a penalty shootout (kicks from the imaginary penalty mark); and zero (0) points shall be awarded to the Loser The ranking in each group shall be determined in descending order as follows: higher number of points obtained in group Matches; if two (2) or more Participating Teams are equal on points, the following criteria are applied to determine the ranking (in descending order): Head-to-Head criteria higher number of points obtained in the group Matches between the Participating Teams in question; superior goal-difference from the group Matches between the Participating Teams in question; or AFC Beach Soccer Championship 2017 Competition Regulations 23

24 higher number of goals scored in the group Matches between the Participating Teams in question; Tiebreaker if, after having applied the Head-to-Head criteria, two (2) or more Participating Teams still have an equal ranking, the Headto-Head criteria shall be reapplied exclusively to the Matches between the Participating Teams in question to determine their final rankings. If this is unsuccessful, the Group Results criteria shall apply; Group Results criteria superior goal-difference from all group Matches played; higher number of goals scored from all group Matches played; Kicks from the Penalty Mark only if two (2) Participating Teams are involved and they are both on the Pitch; the lower score, calculated according to the number of yellow and red cards received in group Matches (Appendix 1); or drawing of lots At the conclusion of the Group Stage: the Winners of each group shall qualify for the Semi Finals: and the best Runner-up team among the second place teams in all the three (3) group shall qualify for the Semi Finals Due to the varying number of Participating Teams in each group, the second-placed Participating Teams in each group will have played a different number of Matches. In order to ensure equality, all Participating Teams shall be compared across the same number of Matches, the number of which shall be decided by the AFC In principle, the results between the identified Participating Teams and the bottom-placed Participating Team in the group shall be considered null and void. Step 1: Step 2: Identify the second-placed Participating Teams in each group. Rank the second-placed Participating Teams on the following basis: (a) (b) (c) (d) (e) greater number of points from the Matches identified by the AFC; goal difference resulting from the Matches identified by the AFC; greater number of goals scored in the Matches identified by the AFC; application of the Fair Play criteria in the Matches identified by the AFC (see Appendix 1); drawing of lots. AFC Beach Soccer Championship 2017 Competition Regulations 24

25 Example: Group A Team P W WE WP L GF GA GD Pts Team A Team B Team C Team D Group B Team P W WE WP L GF GA GD Pts Team E Team F Team G Team H Team I Team B and Team F are the second-placed Participating Teams Groups A and B have played a different number of matches. In order to identify the best second-placed Participating Team, the number of matches shall be equalised. The number of matches to be identified shall be equal to that contested in Group A (i.e. the group with the lower amount of matches per Participating Team). Accordingly, the number of matches played in Group B shall be reduced to three (3) matches per Participating Team. As such, the match between Team F and Team I will be considered null and void. Assume Team F won the match 3-0. We will have a new calculation for Team F: Team P W WE WP L GF GA GD Pts Team F After applying criteria (a), both Team B and Team F are equal, having accrued 4 points. Team B has a goal difference of +1 and Team F has a goal difference of -5, and after applying criteria (b), Team B is identified as the best second-placed Participating Team. Note: when deleting matches, the points or rankings of the other Participating Teams in group are irrelevant. Any new calculation is solely for the purpose of determining the best-placed Participating Team among the groups. AFC Beach Soccer Championship 2017 Competition Regulations 25

26 11. Knockout Stage The Knockout Stage shall consist of the Semi Finals, 3/4 Playoff, and Final Each round of the Knockout Stage shall be conducted in accordance with the Match Schedule The duration of Matches, including Extra Time and Kicks from the Penalty Mark (if required), shall be played in accordance with Articles 13 to At the conclusion of the each Semi Final: the Winner shall qualify for the Final; and the Loser shall qualify for the 3/4 Playoff At the conclusion of the 3/4 Playoff: the Winner shall be declared Third-Place; and the Loser shall be declared Fourth-Place At the conclusion of the Final: the Winner shall be declared Champion; and the Loser shall be declared Runner-Up. AFC Beach Soccer Championship 2017 Competition Regulations 26

27 SECTION 4: TECHNICAL RULES 12. Matches Played in Accordance with the Beach Soccer Laws of the Game All Matches shall be played in accordance with the Beach Soccer Laws of the Game In case of any discrepancy in the interpretation of the Beach Soccer Laws of the Game, the English version shall prevail and is authoritative The seven (7) substitutes listed on a Match Starting List (cf Article 27) may take part in the relevant Match. There is no limit on the number of substitutions If a Participating Team at any stage of a Match is only able to field fewer than three (3) players, the Match shall be abandoned and Article 15.5 shall apply. 13. Duration of Matches Each Match shall last thirty six (36) minutes, comprising of three (3) periods of thirteen (13) minutes (hereinafter, normal playing time). Matches shall start at the time set out in the Match Schedule There shall be an interval of three (3) minutes between the periods, commencing from the whistle ending a period and ending upon the whistle starting the subsequent period A Participating Team that causes a delay in the commencement of any of the subsequent period of the Match may be sanctioned by the AFC Disciplinary Committee. 14. Extra Time 14.1 In all stages, if there is no winner and the match is level at the end of normal playing time, extra time shall be played Extra time shall consist of one (1) period of three (3) minutes. There shall be an interval of three (3) minutes between the periods, commencing from the whistle ending the third period and ending upon the whistle starting of the extra time 14.3 A Participating Team that causes a delay in the commencement of the extra time may be sanctioned by the AFC Disciplinary Committee. 15. Determining Winner by Penalty Kicks If the Match is still level at the end of extra time, penalty kicks shall be taken to determine the winner, in accordance with the procedures specified in the Beach Soccer Laws of the Game The Referee shall decide which goal will be used: AFC Beach Soccer Championship 2017 Competition Regulations 27

28 The Referee may choose which goal will be used without tossing a coin for reasons, without limitation, including safety and security, state of the Pitch, and lighting quality The Referee s decision is final and binding and not appealable During the Kicks from the Penalty Mark, Participating Officials must remain at the team bench utilised by their Participating Team in the Extra Time To ensure that this procedure is strictly observed, the Referee shall be assisted by the Second and Third Referees and the Timekeeper, who shall also note down the number of the Participating Players on each Participating Team who will take Kicks from the Penalty Mark If Penalty Kicks cannot be completed because of weather conditions or for any Force Majeure reason, the result shall be decided by drawing tof lots by the Referee in the presence of the Match Commissioner and the two (2) captains of the Participating Teams if, through the fault of a Participating Team, the Penalty Kicks cannot be completed, Article 7 of these Regulations shall apply. 16. Cancellation of Matches 16.1 If a Match cannot commence for any reason, the following procedure shall be followed: the Match must be delayed for a minimum of thirty (30) minutes. During this delay, the Referee may decide that the Match can commence prior to the completion of the delay; following the first delay, either: an additional delay of thirty (30) minutes shall occur if in the discretion of the Referee this second delay may allow the Match to commence; or the Match is declared cancelled by the Referee; following two (2) delays of thirty (30) minutes, the Referee must declare the Match cancelled; For any match which is cancelled as a result of Force Majeure, the AFC Futsal and Beach Soccer Committee shall decide on the matter at its sole discretion and take whatever action is deemed necessary Any Match which is cancelled, except in cases of Force Majeure recognised by the AFC Futsal and Beach Soccer Committee, may lead to the imposition of sanctions AFC Beach Soccer Championship 2017 Competition Regulations 28

29 by the AFC Disciplinary Committee against the relevant party that has caused the cancellation in accordance with the AFC Disciplinary Code. 17. Abandonment of Matches If a Match is stopped by the Referee for any reasons except for that set out in Article 12.4, the following procedure shall followed: the Match is stopped for thirty (30) minutes. During this stoppage, the Referee may decide that the Match can commence prior to the completion of the stoppage; subsequent to the first stoppage, either: an additional stoppage of thirty (30) minutes shall occur if in the discretion of the Referee this second stoppage may allow the Match to be resumed; or the Match is declared abandoned by the Referee; following two (2) stoppages of thirty (30) minutes, the Referee must declare the Match abandoned; For any Match which is abandoned as a result of Force Majeure, the AFC Futsal and Beach Soccer Committee shall decide on the matter at its sole discretion and take whatever action is deemed necessary Any Match which is abandoned, except in cases of Force Majeure recognised by the AFC Futsal and Beach Soccer Committee, may lead to the imposition of sanctions by the AFC Disciplinary Committee against the relevant party that has caused the abandonment in accordance with the AFC Disciplinary Code Should the AFC, pursuant to Article 17.2, determine that an abandoned Match should be rescheduled and completed, the following principles shall apply: the Match shall recommence with the same score at the minute and seconds at which play was interrupted rather than being replayed in full; the Match shall recommence with the same Participating Players on the Pitch at the time it was initially abandoned; no additional substitutes may be added to the Player Selection List or Match Starting List; any Participating Player sent off during the abandoned Match may not be replaced; any sanction imposed before the Match was abandoned remains valid for the remainder of the rescheduled Match; and any other matters not set out above shall be decided by the AFC Futsal and Beach Soccer Committee in its sole discretion. AFC Beach Soccer Championship 2017 Competition Regulations 29

30 17.5. If a Match is stopped by the Referee before the end of normal playing time or during any Extra Time as a result of a Participating Team being able to only field fewer than three (3) Participating Players, the Match shall be declared abandoned and the Participating Team who is able to field more than three (3) Participating Players shall be declared the Winner by the score of 5-0, or the score at the time of abandonment, whichever is higher. 18. Team Bench and Technical Area A maximum of four (4) Participating Officials and a maximum of seven (7) Participating Players are permitted to sit on the team bench during a Match, provided they are in possession of the appropriate Accreditation Card All individuals on the team bench must wear kit that contrasts with the kit of the Participating Players and Match Officials on the Pitch. This kit must comply with the AFC Equipment Regulations (cf Article 8) Team A shall occupy the team bench on the left when facing the Pitch when viewed from the Timekeeper bench. 19. Warming up Each Participating Team shall be entitled to warm-up on the Pitch before a Match in accordance with the Official Countdown During a Match, a maximum of five (5) Participating Players from each Participating Team may warm-up, but without the ball, at the designated area behind their team bench, or alternatively in a space determined by the AFC Match Commissioner. 20. Official Training at Pitch Depending on the condition of the Pitch, each Participating Team is entitled to an official training of forty-five (45) minutes duration in the Pitch(es) in which they are due to play either one (1) or two (2) days prior to their first Match at approximately the same time as the Match kick-off The Pitch must be prepared to Match-condition for official training. If the Pitch is not in Match-condition, the AFC General Coordinator may shorten or cancel the official training and direct the Participating Teams to have a familiarisation session instead If a Participating Team chooses not to train at a Pitch(es), they must provide the AFC General Coordinator or the AFC Match Commissioner with the time and location of their official training at another designated Official Training Site approved by the AFC. This shall be treated as their official training and they shall forfeit the right to train at that particular Pitch in future The AFC will decide the official training schedule for the Participating Teams. A Participating Team must provide twenty-four (24) hours notice to the AFC should they wish to cancel any official training. AFC Beach Soccer Championship 2017 Competition Regulations 30

31 20.5. Participating Teams are not permitted to organise any friendly matches during their official training or any other activity within the Pitch(es) or Official Training Sites from three (3) days prior to the first Match of the Competition for the duration of the Competition. 21. Beach Soccer Balls The Beach Soccer Balls for the Competition shall be selected and supplied by the AFC Each Participating Team shall receive ten (10) training Beach Soccer Balls upon their official arrival date (as determined by the AFC) which they are required to bring to and utilise throughout the Competition Participating Teams are only permitted to use the training Beach Soccer Balls provided by the AFC for training and warming-up purposes. AFC Beach Soccer Championship 2017 Competition Regulations 31

32 SECTION 5: TEAM OFFICIAL DELEGATION 22. Eligibility of Players Each Participating Team shall ensure that all players: are duly registered with the AFC pursuant to these Regulations; and hold the nationality of its country and are subject to its jurisdiction; are eligible to participate for the representative team of the Member Association in accordance with Article 5-8 of the Regulations Governing the Application of the FIFA Statutes (FIFA RGAS); and Individuals who meet the criteria set out in Article 22.1 are Participating Players and eligible to participate in the Competition, subject to the provisions of the AFC Disciplinary Code The approval of the registration of a Participating Player by the AFC General Secretariat does not automatically provide for the eligibility of the Participating Player. Each Participating Team is responsible for and bears the onus of fielding only eligible Participating Players in a Match. Failure to do so shall lead to the consequences stipulated in the AFC Disciplinary Code A Participating Player shall be deemed ineligible, without limitation, if: there is a violation of Article 22.1; or he participates in a Match contrary to a decision of the AFC Disciplinary Committee, these Regulations, or the operation of the AFC Disciplinary Code; or the AFC determines that any document submitted during registration is false. 23. Registration of Players There are three (3) stages of player registration: Preliminary Registration (cf Article 26); Final Registration: (cf Article 27); Player Selection List: (cf Article 28) Throughout the Competition, each Participating Player shall wear the same number allocated during the Final Registration. Jersey number 1 shall be reserved for a goalkeeper All Participating Players will be issued with Accreditation Cards. Should a card be misplaced, the relevant Participating Team shall be required to pay USD1,000 as a replacement production fee. AFC Beach Soccer Championship 2017 Competition Regulations 32

33 23.4. Should the AFC not receive the AFC Official Registration for Players via AFCAS with all required documents by the stipulated deadline, the Participating Team concerned shall be considered to have withdrawn from the Competition in accordance with Article 6. Proof of submission by facsimile, courier and/or will not be accepted. 24. Documents for Registration of Players Participating Players must be registered online via the AFCAS online system, with the supporting documents set out below (unless already previously submitted and available in AFCAS): a colour copy of a valid passport, containing the full name, passport number, date of birth, place of birth, date of issue, date of expiry and nationality of the relevant individual. Group passports spitch not be accepted; a colour copy of a national identification card (where applicable); a colour copy of a birth certificate (where requested by the AFC); one (1) passport-size colour photo (taken within three (3) months); in cases of registration of players who have acquired a new nationality (cf Article 7, FIFA RGAS), the Participating Team concerned must additionally provide the supporting documents set out the Appendix in cases of registration of players who hold a passport entitling them to represent more than one Member Association (cf Article 6, FIFA RGAS), the Participating Team must provide the supporting documents set out in Appendix The AFC reserves the right to request additional documents. 25. Player Status 25.1 Participating Teams may only field players that are eligible to participate for the representative team of the Member Association in accordance with Articles 5-8 of the FIFA RGAS The AFC may refuse to register any player which it believes, after an assessment of all supporting documents, does not meet the requirements of the FIFA RGAS. 26. Preliminary Registration Each Participating Team shall submit to the AFC via AFCAS its registration of Participating Players and supporting documents in accordance with Article 24.1 thirty (30) days prior to the first Match of the Competition. AFC Beach Soccer Championship 2017 Competition Regulations 33

34 26.2. Each Participating Team shall register minimum twelve (12) and maximum twentyfive (25) players in the Preliminary Registration squad If a Participating Team fails to register minimum twelve (12) players, it shall be considered to have withdrawn in accordance with Article Each Participating Team must register minimum three (3) goalkeepers in their Preliminary Registration squad Once the AFC Official Registration for Players has been submitted via AFCAS and received by the AFC, and after the deadline has passed, under no circumstances shall Participating Teams be permitted to submit additional names or replace any registered individual, even if their maximum quota of twenty-five (25) players has not been filled. 27. Final Registration Participating Teams are required to submit a Final Registration squad of twelve (12) players ten (10) days prior to the first Match of the Competition the Final Registration squad may only be comprised from those maximum twenty-five (25) players selected in the Preliminary Registration squad; the Participating Players must be assigned jerseys numbered from Number 1shall be reserved for a goalkeeper Each Participating Team must register minimum two (2) goalkeepers in their Final Registration squad Once the Final Registration squad has been received by the AFC, Participating Teams may replace any of the registered Participating Players up to six (6) hours prior to their first Match in the Competition, subject to the below conditions: any replacement player(s) must have been registered in the Preliminary Registration squad; replacement players shall only be allocated vacant shirt numbers; to replace a Participating Player, a Participating Team must provide his Accreditation Card to the AFC General Coordinator. The AFC General Coordinator shall provide the Accreditation Card of the replacement player in exchange; only when a replacement player has received his Accreditation Card will she be considered to be registered as a Participating Player and eligible to participate in the Competition. 28. Player Selection List For all Matches, each Participating Team will receive a Player Selection List one (1) day prior to the Match. AFC Beach Soccer Championship 2017 Competition Regulations 34

35 28.2. Each Participating Team must hand their Player Selection List signed by the Head Coach or Team Manager together with the Officials on the Substitution Bench to the AFC Match Commissioner at latest ninety (90) minutes prior to the commencement of each Match Each Participating Player who is marked on the Player Selection List must be available at the Player and Equipment Check undertaken by the AFC Match Commissioner on Match day. 29. Match Starting List Upon receipt of the Player Selection List, the AFC Match Commissioner will issue the Match Starting List The Match Starting List shall be signed by the AFC Match Commissioner, whose signature will make it an official document The AFC Match Commissioner will check the Accreditation Cards and playing kits of the Participating Players listed on the Match Starting List seventy-five (75) minutes before the Match in each team dressing room. Only those Participating Players possessing an Accreditation Card are entitled to participate in Matches Following the finalisation of the Match Starting List but prior to the commencement of the Match: If any of the five (5) Participating Players selected to start the Match are unable to start for any reason, they may be replaced by any of the substitutes listed on the Match Starting List The Team Manager for the Participating Team shall immediately notify the Referees and the AFC Match Commissioner of the change to the Match Starting List There is no limit to the number of Participating Players that may be replaced The replaced player(s) shall no longer be eligible to participate in the Match and may not be replaced by a reserve player(s) No Participating Players listed as substitutes on the Match Starting List may be replaced. Should such a Participating Player be unable to be fielded for any reason, the number of listed substitutes shall be reduced accordingly. 30. Registration of Officials There shall only be one (1) registration period for Participating Officials. AFC Beach Soccer Championship 2017 Competition Regulations 35

36 30.2. Each Participating Team shall register its Participating Officials and additional officials (if any) via AFCAS along with the supporting documents by thirty (30) days prior to the first Match of the Competition Each Participating Team shall register minimum three (3) and maximum eight (8) Participating Officials Up to four (4) Participating Officials may be registered for each Match. The following three (3) Participating Officials must be registered in the Participating Officials on the Substitution Bench Form by the AFC Match Commissioner: Head Coach; Team Manager; and Team Doctor or Physiotherapist (or equivalent qualification) Each Participating Team shall register any other three (3) Participating Officials for any other positions, including without limitation: Team Media Officer; Assistant Coach; Fitness Coach; GK Coach; Physiotherapist (sports trainer, physical trainer or similar function); Interpreter (the Team Liaison Officer may be registered as interpreter); Security Officer; Technical Officer; or Kitman Office Bearers (e.g. President, Vice President, Treasurer, Members of the Board) of the Participating Team or its Member Association may be registered as Participating Officials Should the Participating Team nominate less than four (4) Participating Officials on the Officials on the Substitution Bench Form, the number of Participating Officials permitted on the team bench shall reduce proportionately Each Participating Team is entitled to register a Video Analyst who shall be the only member of a Team Official Delegation entitled to record Matches in the AFC Beach Soccer Championship 2017 Competition Regulations 36

37 Competition. This recording shall be strictly used only for technical purposes, and should not interfere with Match operations or be utilised by any Broadcasters All Participating Officials will be issued with official eligibility cards. Should a card be misplaced, the Participating Team shall be required to pay USD1,000 as a replacement production fee Should the AFC not receive the AFC Official Registration for Officials via AFCAS with all required documents by the stipulated deadline, the Participating Team shall be considered to have withdrawn from the Competition in accordance with Article 6. Proof of submission by facsimile, courier and/or will not be accepted Once the registration of Participating Officials has been received by the AFC, Participating Teams may replace any of the listed Participating Officials at any stage of the Competition with twenty-four (24) hours notice to the AFC, subject to the below conditions: To replace a Participating Official, a Participating Team must provide his Accreditation Card to the AFC General Coordinator. The AFC General Coordinator shall provide the Accreditation Card of the replacement official in exchange Only when a replacement official has received his Accreditation Card will he/she be considered to be registered as a Participating Official and eligible to participate in the Competition. 31. Documents for Registration of Officials Participating Officials must be registered on the AFC Official Registration for Officials submitted via the AFCAS online system, with the supporting documents set out below (unless already previously submitted to the AFC and available in AFCAS): a colour copy of a validly-issued passport, containing the full name, passport number, date of birth, place of birth, date of issue, date of expiry and nationality of the relevant individual. Group passports spitch not be accepted; a colour copy of a national identification card (where applicable); one (1) passport-size colour photo (taken within three (3) months); evidence of their qualification based upon his function: Head Coach: required coaching certificate or licenses as decided by the AFC Technical Committee; Assistant Coach: required coaching certificate or licenses as decided by the AFC Technical Committee; Team Doctor: relevant medical qualification. AFC Beach Soccer Championship 2017 Competition Regulations 37

38 31.2. The AFC reserves the right to request additional documents. 32. Size of Delegation at Matches Each Participating Team shall register a Team Official Delegation comprising of twelve (12) Participating Players and four (4) Participating Officials The Team Official Delegation shall be granted full access to all official Competition areas, including the Pitch and other necessary Controlled Accessed Areas, as determined by the AFC If a Participating Team has registered more than four (4) Participating Officials pursuant to Article 30.3, all costs related to those additional Participating Officials shall be borne by the Participating Team. Such additional Participating Officials shall receive the same access rights as set out in Articles 32.2 and Each Participating Team may nominate maximum four (4) Participating Officials to sit on the team bench. The identity of said Participating Officials must be confirmed on the Officials on the Team Bench List to be submitted prior to the commencement of each Match Participating Teams shall ensure that no unauthorised persons are permitted entry into the team dressing room, Field of Play, or any other Controlled Access Area requiring an Accreditation Card. AFC Beach Soccer Championship 2017 Competition Regulations 38

39 SECTION 6: LOGISTICAL ARRANGEMENTS 33. Arrival and Departure Each Participating Team shall arrive at the official hotel at the Venue in the Competition three (3) days before the commencement of its first Match Each Participating Team shall depart the Host Country the day following their final Match in the Competition. 34. Airfares Each Participating Team is responsible for payment of all airfares (international and domestic airfares) for their Team Official Delegation from: their departure from the territory of the Member Association (or any other location) to the Venue of their first Match; and their departure from the Venue of their final Match Each Participating Team is required to purchase published-fare air tickets which are endorsable and allow for date changes (with or without penalty) for their Team Official Delegation, travelling to the Venue of their first Match and from the Venue of their final Match in the Competition Any costs relating to non-compliance shall be borne by the Participating Team. 35. Accommodation, Meals, and Refreshments for Participating Teams Only official hotels approved by the AFC shall be used as accommodation by the Team Official Delegations during the Competition Each Participating Team, from the arrival of their Team Official Delegation (as approved by the AFC) until one (1) day after their final Match in the Competition, shall be provided: Accommodation in an international five-star hotel for the Team Official Delegation (or an international four-star hotel if there exists no international five-star hotels in the Venue), not exceeding sixteen (16) persons, which shall comprise of six (6) double rooms and four (4) single rooms. All rooms where possible shallbe on the same floor or split to two (2) floors, subject to the hotel layout; one (1) additional empty room in the hotel for the purposes of medical treatment and storage; each briefing room shall be shared by two (2) teams set aside in said hotel for the duration of the Competition equipped with whiteboard, DVD player and television audio visual equipment (including DVD player, audio system, projector and screen), white board or flip chart with adequate supply of paper and markers; AFC Beach Soccer Championship 2017 Competition Regulations 39

40 three (3) meals per day (international buffet style) and one (1) additional light meal on Match-days in a dedicated dining area for the Team Official Delegation (not exceeding sixteen (16) persons); minimum six (6) liters of water per person per day for the Team Official Delegation (not exceeding sixteen (16) persons), as well as ice and refreshments; daily laundry services (but no dry cleaning or pressing) for playing and training outfits (six (6) pieces per day per person) for the Team Official Delegation (not exceeding sixteen (16) persons) Each Participating Team shall pay for incidental expenses incurred by its Team Official Delegation during the course of their stay in the Host Country Each Participating Team shall pay for any costs incurred by additional members of their delegation (exceeding sixteen (16) persons) Each Participating Team shall pay for any extension of stay in the Host Country for their entire Team Official Delegation, other than where expressly permitted in these Regulations Where there exists genuine unavailability (confirmed by the AFC Travel Office) of flights for a Participating Team to depart the Venue one (1) day after a Match, the Organising Association shall pay for all expenses of the Participating Team until departure. 36. Team Liaison Officer Each Participating Team shallbe provided with a Team Liaison Officer proficient in English and (if applicable) the local language of the Participating Team. 37. Local Land Transportation Each Participating Team, from the arrival of their Team Official Delegation (as approved by the AFC) until one (1) day after their final Match in the Competition, shallbe provided: one (1) van with minimum twelve (12) seats; and one (1) multi-purpose vehicle (MPV). for transportation of the Team Official Delegation to training, Matches, Official Functions, and airport transfers Each Participating Team shall be provided one (1) additional luggage truck for airport transfers for their arrival and departure from the Competition. AFC Beach Soccer Championship 2017 Competition Regulations 40

41 SECTION 7: MEDIA 38. Media access in Stadia Representatives of the written press and radio journalists are not permitted on the Pitch or the area between the boundaries of the Pitch and the spectators, with the exception of accredited Media who shall carry out their duties in the specific locations assigned to them Only photographers, cameramen of the Host Broadcaster and the main visiting Broadcaster and the personnel required to operate the electronic television cameras of the Host Broadcaster are allowed in the area between the boundaries of the Pitch and the spectators, where they will carry out their work in the specific locations assigned to them No Media representatives are permitted to enter any team dressing room at any stage of any Match The Organising Association shall ensure that the AFC, the Host Broadcaster, and all Broadcasters have free access to each pitch from five (5) days prior to each Match until one (1) day following each Match, to allow for the resolution of any technical issues and for the assembly of the relevant infrastructure required to execute the Media Rights The Organising Association is responsible for ensuring that the Media Rights are protected and that no unofficial or unauthorised broadcaster and/or video or ENG camera crews are permitted access to any pitch without the prior written permission of the AFC. 39. Official Training All official training is open to the Media Should a Participating Team wish to close its official training to the Media, it shall, as a minimum, open the session for the first fifteen (15) minutes If an official training occurs at a Pitch, the areas accessible by the Media shall be the same as available to them during Matches. Access to such areas must be security-controlled by the Organising Association. 40. Press Conferences The Head Coach and minimum one (1) Participating Player of each Participating Team is obliged to attend and participate: a pre-match press conference for each Match in the Competition in which their Participating Team competes, to be held at least one (1) day prior to the commencement of the Competition; and a post-match press conference for each Match in the Competition in which their Participating Team competes. AFC Beach Soccer Championship 2017 Competition Regulations 41

42 40.2. Each Team Media Officer or Team Manager must ensure attendance of the Head Coach and the relevant Participating Player(s) Each Participating Team is responsible (if applicable) for the interpretation of its Head Coach and relevant Participating Players into English. Interpretation into the local language (if applicable) shall be the responsibility of the Organising Association Any individual who fails to attend an obligatory press conference shall be fined at least USD5,000. The relevant Participating Team shall also be held liable in accordance with Article The AFC Disciplinary Committee may issue further sanctions in its discretion. 41. Mixed Zone The Team Official Delegation shall pass through the Mixed Zone on their way from their team dressing room to their bus after each Match Any individual who fails to pass through the Mixed Zone shall be fined at least USD5,000. The relevant Participating Team shall also be held liable in accordance with Article The AFC Disciplinary Committee may issue further sanctions in its discretion. 42. Interviews If requested by the AFC, each Participating Team shall make their Head Coach and one (1) Participating Player available the day before each Match and/or the day of the Match for an interview of up to ten (10) minutes, to be recorded by the Host Broadcaster or other Broadcaster, or by the AFC official website All interview locations shall be assigned by an AFC Media Officer and/or the AFC General Coordinator Any individual who fails to conduct an interview when requested shallbe fined at least USD5,000. The relevant Participating Team shall also be held liable in accordance with Article The AFC Disciplinary Committee may issue further sanctions in its discretion. 43. Flash Interviews Participating Players and Participating Officials are not permitted to give interviews at the Stadium without the express permission of the AFC The AFC Media Officer and/or AFC General Coordinator may designate an area for flash interviews for the Host Broadcaster and the visiting Media Rights-holding Broadcaster (if applicable) following each Match If requested by the AFC, any Participating Player and/or Participating Officials shall participate in a flash interview following each Match Any individual who fails to conduct a flash interview when requested shall be fined at least USD5,000. The relevant Participating Team shall also be held liable in AFC Beach Soccer Championship 2017 Competition Regulations 42

43 accordance with Article The AFC Disciplinary Committee may issue further sanctions in its discretion. 44. Recording of Matches Each Participating Team shall be provided with a USB recording of each Match of the Competition. AFC Beach Soccer Championship 2017 Competition Regulations 43

44 SECTION 8: EQUIPMENT 45. AFC Equipment Regulations Each Participating Team must comply with the AFC Equipment Regulations The AFC Equipment Regulations are operational from the arrival of each Team Official Delegation at a Controlled Access Area until the departure of each Team Official Delegation from such areas. 46. AFC Badges Each Participating Team shall allow space on its playing jersey to affix: one (1) AFC Beach Soccer Championship 2017 sleeve badge on the right arm; and one (1) AFC campaign sleeve badge on the left arm (if applicable). 47. Kit Approval Procedure Each Participating Team shall submit to the AFC for its approval one (1) sample of all kit, as defined in the AFC Equipment Regulations, latest sixty (60) days prior to the first Match of the Competition Each Participating Team shall submit to the AFC for its approval one (1) sample of all other apparel to be worn by their Team Official Delegation within the Controlled Access Areas during the Competition latest sixty (60) days prior to the first Match of the Competition Should any equipment submitted to the AFC infringe the AFC Equipment Regulations or these Regulations, the Participating Team shall be required to resubmit corrected equipment to the AFC. In addition, the relevant Participating Team may be required to present additional samples at any time The AFC Match Commissioner, the AFC General Coordinator, and/or the AFC Marketing Manager all have the right and duty to inspect the kit of each Team Official Delegation at each Venue, and are entitled to seize and send such items to the AFC Headquarters for further inspection following each Match. 48. Responsibility The AFC has the sole authority to approve the equipment (including kit) set out in the AFC Equipment Regulations Each Participating Team agrees to indemnify the AFC and hold it harmless from any and all damages in the event that a conflict arises as a result of any endorsement deal between itself and its sponsor(s) which contravenes the AFC Equipment Regulations. AFC Beach Soccer Championship 2017 Competition Regulations 44

45 SECTION 9: TICKETING 49. Terms and Conditions In collaboration with the Organising Association, the AFC shall issue special ticketing terms and conditions which are applicable to all Ticket holders, including without limitation the Participating Teams, and which must be communicated to all relevant parties. 50. Complimentary Tickets The AFC shall provide each Participating Team with the following Ticket allocation for each of the Matches contested by its Participating Team: one (1) VVIP Tickets; two (2) VIP Tickets; and fifteen (15) Category 1 Tickets The AFC shall provide each Participating Team with two (2) Category 1 Tickets for all other Matches of the Competition. 51. Purchasable Tickets The Organising Association must make available at least three percent (3%) of the net saleable capacity of its Beach Soccer Stadium available exclusively to the supporters of each Participating Team, in a segregated, safe area to be determined by the Organising Association in conjunction with the AFC This allocation shall be comprised of a mixture of Category 1 and Category 2 Tickets. The number of Tickets to be purchased must be declared to the Host by no later than one (1) month prior to the Competition with full payment by the Participating Team. The Participating Team is responsible for all Tickets purchased, even if not utilised. The price of the Tickets shall not exceed the price of comparable Tickets that are sold to the supporters of the host Participating Team The Organising Association shall provide the AFC and/or AFC Commercial Rights Partner (on instructions of the AFC) with the opportunity to buy Tickets at facevalue for each Match. The number of Tickets to be purchased must be declared to the Organising Association by no later than one (1) Month prior to the Competition. AFC Beach Soccer Championship 2017 Competition Regulations 45

46 SECTION 10: MEDICAL & ANTI-DOPING 52. Medical Facilities and Treatment The Organising Association is responsible, for each Participating Team from the arrival of their Team Official Delegation (as approved by the AFC) until one (1) day after their final Match in the Competition, for the costs of the following medical treatments within the Host Country: outpatient treatment (non-admission to hospital); minor surgeries (e.g. suturing); radiological investigations; and emergency treatment The Organising Association is responsible for the costs of the medical treatment set out at Article 52.1 for the AFC Delegation from their arrival in the Host Country until their departure from the Host Country Each Participating Team is responsible, for all members of its Team Official Delegation, for the cost of any: hospitalisation (admission to hospital); surgical operations not provided for in Article 52.1; and specialised investigative procedures. 53. Anti-Doping Doping is prohibited. The AFC Anti-Doping Regulations, the AFC Disciplinary Code, and all relevant AFC directives in relation to anti-doping are applicable to the Competition The AFC shall inform each Participating Team by means of a circular of the doping control procedure for the Competition The AFC Medical Committee shall be responsible for the approval of the WADA accredited laboratory which shall carry out the analysis of all doping samples. AFC Beach Soccer Championship 2017 Competition Regulations 46

47 SECTION 11: DISCIPLINARY 54. Disciplinary Measures All disciplinary measures in relation to the Competition shall be undertaken in accordance with the current AFC Statutes, AFC Disciplinary Code, AFC Code of Ethics and any relevant AFC circular The AFC may introduce new disciplinary rules and sanctions for the duration of the Competition. Such rules shall be communicated to the Participating Teams and their Member Associations one (1) month before the first Match of the Competition at latest All Participating Players agree to: respect the spirit of fair play, non-violence, and the authority of the Match Officials; behave accordingly; and refrain from doping (cf Article 53). Administrative Procedure Subject to the AFC Disciplinary Code, for any offence set out in these Regulations with a listed minimum fine, where it is the first such offence committed by a party: the AFC, after completing its investigation but prior to opening disciplinary proceedings, may write to the party and make an offer to compound the offence and reduce the listed fine by twenty percent (20%) should the party admit to the offence; if the offence is admitted, the AFC shall submit the compounded offence to the Chairman of the AFC Disciplinary Committee for approval; should the party not admit to the offence, the AFC shall open disciplinary proceedings; upon approval of the Chairman of the AFC Disciplinary Committee, the sanction shall be notified and applied administratively by the AFC; should the Chairman of the AFC Disciplinary Committee not approve the compounded offence, the AFC shall open disciplinary proceedings; by agreeing to compound the offence, the party waives its right to request a motivated decision or appeal the sanction issued; any sanction issued administratively comes into force immediately upon notification in accordance with the AFC Disciplinary Code. AFC Beach Soccer Championship 2017 Competition Regulations 47

48 55. Cautions and Expulsions All matters relating to cautions and/or expulsions, including the carrying forward of cautions between stages of the Competition, shall be undertake in accordance with the AFC Disciplinary Code except where expressly set out below Any Participating Player who completes the Group Stage having only received one (1) caution shall not carry-over that caution to the Semi Finals. 56. Indiscipline or Violent Conduct Any individual reported for any act of indiscipline or violent conduct at the Pitch (including without limitation within the Beach SoccerStadium, team dressing room or on the Pitch), Official Training Site, Accommodation, or any other location within the Venue of a Match shall be referred to the AFC Disciplinary Committee. 57. Protest A protest is an objection of any kind to any matter that has a direct effect on Matches and any matters related to breach of these Regulations Unless otherwise stipulated, to be considered valid, protests shall be: submitted in writing on the Protest Form to the AFC Match Commissioner within two (2) hours of the end of the Match in question; followed up with a full written report, including a copy of the original protest, sent to the AFC General Secretariat by facsimile or registered letter within twenty-four (24) hours of the end of the Match; accompanied by a non-refundable fee of USD500/- submitted within twenty-four (24) hours of the end of the Match No protest shall be lodged relating to the Referee s decisions regarding facts connected with play. Such decisions are final and not subject to appeal, unless expressly otherwise stipulated in the AFC Disciplinary Code Should the AFC Disciplinary Committee determine that a protest is irresponsible, it may impose a fine If any of the formal conditions of a protest as set out in these Regulations are not met, such protest shall be disregarded. Following the completion of the final Match of the Competition, all protests shall be disregarded The AFC Disciplinary Committee shall make decisions on protests. The AFC Disciplinary Committee may transfer a protest to the AFC Futsal and Beach Soccer Committee for its decision if it is deemed purely operational in nature. AFC Beach Soccer Championship 2017 Competition Regulations 48

49 58. Arbitration Any dispute in connection with the Competition shall be promptly settled by negotiation In compliance with the AFC Statutes, Participating Teams, Participating Players, and Participating Officials are prohibited from initiating disputes in an ordinary court of law and must submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of the AFC Participating Teams, Member Associations, Participating Players, and Participating Officials acknowledge and accept that, once all internal channels have been exhausted at the AFC, their sole recourse shall be to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). The Code of Sports-related Arbitration shall be applicable. The language of arbitration shall be English The jurisdiction of the CAS to resolve disputes is only available where it has not been expressly excluded or a decision is declared as final and binding and not subject to appeal. AFC Beach Soccer Championship 2017 Competition Regulations 49

50 SECTION 12: ADMINISTRATION 59. Awards The following awards of the Competition shall be presented: Most Valuable Player; Top Goalscorer; AFC Fair Play Award; and Commemorative medals for the Referees of the Final The Most Valuable Player of the Competition is awarded to the Participating Player who has a major influence on each of his Matches and the Competition overall The Top Goalscorer is awarded to the Participating Player who has scored the highest number of goals in the Competition. In the event of a tie, the number of assists as determined by the AFC Technical Analysis Group will be taken into account to identify the winner. If there is still a tie, the total minutes played will be taken into account with the Participating Player with the lower number of minutes played ranked first The AFC Fair Play Award is awarded to the Participating Team who has collected the most Fair Play points in the Competition The Participating Team may be disqualified if it or any of its Team Official Delegation at any Match is involved in severe misconduct throughout the Competition The AFC Futsal and Beach Soccer Committee may decide to introduce further awards. 60. Trophy and Medals The original Competition trophy is presented to the Champion during the prize presentation ceremony and shall remain in the possession of the AFC at all times thereafter. The Champion shall subsequently be awarded a one-third (1/3) size replica by the AFC as its permanent possession The Champion Participating Team may produce a copy of the trophy, provided it is clearly marked as a replica and does not exceed 4/5 (four fifths) of the size of the original The AFC shallaward the following medals: twenty (20) medals to the Champion; twenty (20) medals to the Runner-Up; twenty0 (20) medals to the Third Place. AFC Beach Soccer Championship 2017 Competition Regulations 50

51 60.4. No additional medals shall be produced by the AFC. 61. Prize Presentation Ceremony A prize presentation ceremony shall be held immediately after the Final to present the awards, trophies, and medals listed in Article The Participating Team and Participating Players that qualify to receive the awards, trophies, and medals shall attend the relevant prize presentation ceremony. Participating Teams may be represented by the Team Official Delegation for the prize presentation ceremony following the Final. 62. Protocol The AFC Protocol Guidelines shall apply for all Matches. 63. Special Instructions The AFC Futsal and Beach Soccer Committee shall, in conjunction with the Organising Association, issue any instructions necessitated by special circumstances which might arise in the Host Country These instructions shall form an integral part of these Regulations. 64. Decisions All decisions made in accordance with these Regulations, except where expressly identified otherwise, are final and binding and not appealable in accordance with Article 65 of the AFC Statutes. 65. Amendments The AFC reserves the right to make amendments to any part of these Regulations for any reason whatsoever. Such amendments shall be duly communicated in due course. 66. Force Majeure The AFC Futsal and Beach Soccer Committee is the only body capable of declaring a Force Majeure event. 67. Matters not provided for Matters not provided for in these Regulations shall be decided by the AFC Futsal and Beach Soccer Committee. Such decisions are binding and final. 68. Closing Provisions 68.1 The AFC General Secretariat is entrusted with the operational management of the Competition and is therefore entitled to make decisions and adopt the detailed provisions necessary for implementing these Regulations. AFC Beach Soccer Championship 2017 Competition Regulations 51

52 69. Ratification 69.1 These Regulations were ratified by the AFC Executive Committee on 9 September 2016 and came into force immediately. For the AFC Executive Committee President: Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa AFC General Secretary: Dato Windsor John AFC Beach Soccer Championship 2017 Competition Regulations 52

53 APPENDIX 1: Determining the Ranking in a Group using Fair Play criteria 1. This Appendix 1 sets out the calculation provided for in Article 10.5 of these Regulations. 2. Each Participating Team shallbe awarded points for receiving red and yellow cards as indicated below: 2.1 per yellow card: one (1) point; 2.2 per red card (as a consequence of two yellow cards): three (3) points; 2.3 per red card (direct): three (3) points; and 2.4 per yellow card followed by a red card (direct): four (4) points. 3. The Participating Team receiving the least number of points shallbe ranked highest. The remaining Participating Teams shallbe ranked in descending order. AFC Beach Soccer Championship 2017 Competition Regulations 53

54 APPENDIX 2: Registration of Players who have Acquired a New Nationality: Documents to be provided to AFC No. Documents Attached (please tick) 1. Official Registration Form for Players with passport photo. 2 The player must provide one of the following categories of documents: a) 1) Letter from the Member Association of the player s previous nationality or country of birth declaring that the player has never played (either in full or in part) for its representative teams in an official competition of any category of any type of football; and 2) Letter from the player declaring that she has never played for any representative teams of any Member Association (either in full or in part) in an official competition of any category of any type of football. b) Decision of the FIFA Players Status Committee allowing the player to change Association. 3. Clear copy of player s passport 4. Clear copy of player s national ID card 5. If the player seeks to rely on 2(a) as opposed to 2(b), they must provide one of the following categories of documents: a) 1) Evidence that their father or mother was born on the territory of the relevant Association; and 2) Evidence that such person is their biological parent. b) 1) Evidence that their grandfather or grandmother was born on the territory of the relevant Association; and 2) Evidence that such person is their biological grandparent. c) Evidence that the player has lived continuously on the territory of the relevant Association for at least five (5) years after the age of 18. *Players relying on category 5 (c) under the age of 23 must provide a decision of the FIFA Players Status Committee. AFC Beach Soccer Championship 2017 Competition Regulations 54

55 APPENDIX 3: Registration of Players who have a Nationality Entitling them to Represent More than One Association: Documents to be provided to AFC No. Documents Attached (please tick) 1. Official Registration Form for Players with passport photo. 2 The player must provide one of the following categories of documents: a) 1) Letter from the Member Association of the player s previous nationality or country of birth declaring that the player has never played (either in full or in part) for its representative teams in an official competition of any category of any type of football; and 2) Letter from the player declaring that she has never played for any representative teams of any Member Association (either in full or in part) in an official competition of any category of any type of football. b) Decision of the FIFA Players Status Committee allowing the player to change Association. 3. Clear copy of player s passport 4. Clear copy of player s national ID card 5. If the player seeks to rely on 2(a) as opposed to 2(b), they must provide one of the following categories of documents: a) 1) Evidence that their father or mother was born on the territory of the relevant Association; and 2) Evidence that such person is their biological parent. b) 1) Evidence that their grandfather or grandmother was born on the territory of the relevant Association; and 2) Evidence that such person is their biological grandparent. c) Evidence that the player has lived continuously on the territory of the relevant Association for at least two (2) years. AFC Beach Soccer Championship 2017 Competition Regulations 55

56 APPENDIX 4: Marketing and Media Operation Guidelines The Marketing and Media Operation Guidelines are set out in the Competition Operations Manual. They are applicable for the duration of the Competition. AFC Beach Soccer Championship 2017 Competition Regulations 56

57 AFC Beach Soccer Championship 2017 Competition Regulations 57